Question on engine hours

stynx55 · 05-01-2016, 06:19 AM

We are shopping around looking to possibly upgrade our boat. Recently we looked at a 2006 bow rider the boats in immaculate shape. My only concern is the amount of hours on the engine. The boat has a merc 350 mag with 400 hours. Any idea on what the engines lifespan should be

TiltonBB · 05-01-2016, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stynx55

We are shopping around looking to possibly upgrade our boat. Recently we looked at a 1996 bow rider the boats in immaculate shape. My only concern is the amount of hours on the engine. The boat has a merc 350 mag with 400 hours. Any idea on what the engines lifespan should be

A well maintained I/O engine will easily exceed 1,000 hours without any issues. The very high performance engines, built up for speed, sometimes need a rebuild in 100 hours or so but that is a lot different than a stock engine.

RTTOOL · 05-01-2016, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stynx55

We are shopping around looking to possibly upgrade our boat. Recently we looked at a 1996 bow rider the boats in immaculate shape. My only concern is the amount of hours on the engine. The boat has a merc 350 mag with 400 hours. Any idea on what the engines lifespan should be

The 350 mag is a great motor. buy doing a cylinder leak down that could put
your concerns to rest.

gslpro · 05-01-2016, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stynx55

We are shopping around looking to possibly upgrade our boat. Recently we looked at a 1996 bow rider the boats in immaculate shape. My only concern is the amount of hours on the engine. The boat has a merc 350 mag with 400 hours. Any idea on what the engines lifespan should be

Hours are not much of an indicator on engine status of lifespan. A marine engine pushes constantly. Cars roll. Engines used for (far end of the scale) 100% skiing/boarding, doing starting accelerations all the time would endure more wear, but in all reality, once the person is up, it is like driving a boat without anyone back there. 2-Strokes run better at (almost) wide open then cruising slow. I/O's like the 350 have a range they usually run in best. A survey of the engine with compression and leak down will tell you more than hours. To give an idea, my '04 cruiser has twins with ~420 hrs each. They run and idle like new, cruising or top speed.

If the person seems responsible with maintenance items, then I would go to engine check, and then to bank check if everything works out. Enjoy!

MeredithMan · 05-01-2016, 11:01 AM

As others have said, you should be fine, (assuming all other aspects of the boat are ok). In 2013, I bought an immaculate 2004 Cobalt with 700 hours on it, (496 HO engine). It was very well maintained and the marina that took it in trade had all of the original owner's maint records. They went over the engine...compression test, etc., and said it was A-OK. I never had one single issue with it. I was a little apprehensive at first, buying a boat with 700 hours on it, but it turned out to be a non-issue. I just traded it in two weeks ago for something newer/bigger, but it was, (and still is!), an awesome boat.

Good luck!

stynx55 · 05-01-2016, 03:27 PM

Thanks for the responses, This will be our second boat, the first purchased last year so I am still very much a newbie and appreciate people with more experience chiming in.

Dave R · 05-01-2016, 06:37 PM

Mine has 700 hours and runs great. I worked on one recently with 1000 hours and runs great. They can easily go 2000+ hours. My pickup truck has 5600 hours and runs like new.

VitaBene · 05-01-2016, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

As others have said, you should be fine, (assuming all other aspects of the boat are ok). In 2013, I bought an immaculate 2004 Cobalt with 700 hours on it, (496 HO engine). It was very well maintained and the marina that took it in trade had all of the original owner's maint records. They went over the engine...compression test, etc., and said it was A-OK. I never had one single issue with it. I was a little apprehensive at first, buying a boat with 700 hours on it, but it turned out to be a non-issue. I just traded it in two weeks ago for something newer/bigger, but it was, (and still is!), an awesome boat.

Good luck!

What did you get?

NoBozo · 05-01-2016, 07:37 PM

Your common Cessna/Piper aircraft are typically rated for 2000 hours before an overhaul May be required.

At a minimum, annual checkups are FAA mandatory. I guess that means..regular maintenance WILL occur. Most of it must be done by an FAA Certified mechanic.

Bottom Line: 2000 hours is a reasonable time for an internal combustion engine to remain serviceable.

Just a Benchmark...... for consideration.

NB

P-3 Guy · 05-01-2016, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

Your common Cessna/Piper aircraft are typically rated for 2000 hours before an overhaul May be required.

At a minimum, annual checkups are FAA mandatory. I guess that means..regular maintenance WILL occur. Most of it must be done by an FAA Certified mechanic.

Bottom Line: 2000 hours is a reasonable time for an internal combustion engine to remain serviceable.

Just a Benchmark...... for consideration.

NB

Talk about apples and oranges. The results of an aircraft engine failure are very likely to be considerably more dire than an engine failure on a small pleasure boat.

Phantom · 05-02-2016, 06:34 AM

STYNX55 -- 350 Mags are the "workhorse" engines. I would dare say, better than 60-70% of all boats on Winni currently (20'-26') have one.

As far as hours are concerned, take a look in the forum archives for the Poll that asks "what your average engine hours" in the past season. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ad.php?t=19941

Take that and multiply by your 19yr. old boat. For us, we run on the high side averaging 90 - 110 hours a Season -- but admittedly that is quite a high average.

For me - a 19 year old boat, with ONLY 400 hrs. (avg. 21 hrs./yr.), would make me start asking other questions -- was this the proverbial "Grandma's boat only used on Sunday's to go to church? -- Was the original engine replaced ? -- is that 400 hrs. on the dash gauge or off the Engine chip? (if you replace the gauges say at 600 hrs., the dash gauge begins at zero from there)

Bottom line -- do not be so concerned with Engine hours as much as the Hull, interior, etc

.

stynx55 · 05-03-2016, 04:35 AM

The boat is a 2006, not a 1996. I don't know why I posted 96,

SAB1 · 05-03-2016, 06:16 AM

Asked the same question to my mechanic couple years ago. A lot depends on how it's used as mentioned above but he said general rule of thumb is when they hit 1200 hours they start to get tired. Mine is a 1997 with 1000 on it but a lot of those are trolling hours with no skiing/tubing and being well maintained. I expect to 1500 or better of it.

MeredithMan · 05-03-2016, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaBene

What did you get?

It begins with "F", ends with "A", and has 27' of fiberglass in between

rowinghelmet · 05-03-2016, 08:26 AM

I have a 1999 Cobalt with around 1600 hours that still runs flawlessly. Most marine engines break because of poor maintenance, water ingestion, or neglect. The 350 MAG with proper maintenance should last at least 2000 hours before it needs a major rebuild.

VitaBene · 05-03-2016, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

It begins with "F", ends with "A", and has 27' of fiberglass in between

Sweet, best of luck with it!!

John E · 05-03-2016, 06:09 PM

400 hours is just broken in as long as it has been maintained. I have a ski boat I bought 3 years ago with 1000 hours and I didn't think twice. Also in a lot of boats the hour meter ticks if the key is on without the motor running. I'd ask for maintenance records. I think hours are way over emphasized when discussing the condition of a boat.

SAMIAM · 05-05-2016, 08:11 AM

400 hours on a boat is like 20,000 miles on a car.Just broken in.

Cobalt 25 · 05-08-2016, 04:24 PM

Sold our 8.1 Merc with 1,400 hours on it. Top speed stayed the same from new 'til I sold it. Regular maintenance, nothing special.

Water Camper · 05-09-2016, 08:17 AM

I agree with maintenance is key. I have over 1500 hours on my 1995 225 Sundowner FourWinns. Bought this new. It has a 351 Ford block with 255 hp and OMC outdrive. Other than a water pump and a few belts over the years, primarily just annual maintenance. Still runs good.

My previous boat a 1989 180 Horizon, FourWinns with a small V8, 200 hp, is still being run by the 2nd owner, with over 2500 hours.

Hope this helps,
Bill

Winnisquamer · 05-09-2016, 11:21 AM

Just think if we all lived somewhere warm year round some of us would be putting on 400 hours in a season!

05-01-2016, 06:19 AM	#1
stynx55 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 70 Thanks: 5 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Question on engine hours We are shopping around looking to possibly upgrade our boat. Recently we looked at a 2006 bow rider the boats in immaculate shape. My only concern is the amount of hours on the engine. The boat has a merc 350 mag with 400 hours. Any idea on what the engines lifespan should be Last edited by stynx55; 05-03-2016 at 04:36 AM.

05-01-2016, 11:01 AM	#5
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 946 Thanks: 262 Thanked 812 Times in 331 Posts	You should be fine.... As others have said, you should be fine, (assuming all other aspects of the boat are ok). In 2013, I bought an immaculate 2004 Cobalt with 700 hours on it, (496 HO engine). It was very well maintained and the marina that took it in trade had all of the original owner's maint records. They went over the engine...compression test, etc., and said it was A-OK. I never had one single issue with it. I was a little apprehensive at first, buying a boat with 700 hours on it, but it turned out to be a non-issue. I just traded it in two weeks ago for something newer/bigger, but it was, (and still is!), an awesome boat. Good luck!

05-01-2016, 07:37 PM	#9
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	FYI ..Private Aircraft Your common Cessna/Piper aircraft are typically rated for 2000 hours before an overhaul May be required. At a minimum, annual checkups are FAA mandatory. I guess that means..regular maintenance WILL occur. Most of it must be done by an FAA Certified mechanic. Bottom Line: 2000 hours is a reasonable time for an internal combustion engine to remain serviceable. Just a Benchmark...... for consideration. NB

05-02-2016, 06:34 AM	#11
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	STYNX55 -- 350 Mags are the "workhorse" engines. I would dare say, better than 60-70% of all boats on Winni currently (20'-26') have one. As far as hours are concerned, take a look in the forum archives for the Poll that asks "what your average engine hours" in the past season. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ad.php?t=19941 Take that and multiply by your 19yr. old boat. For us, we run on the high side averaging 90 - 110 hours a Season -- but admittedly that is quite a high average. For me - a 19 year old boat, with ONLY 400 hrs. (avg. 21 hrs./yr.), would make me start asking other questions -- was this the proverbial "Grandma's boat only used on Sunday's to go to church? -- Was the original engine replaced ? -- is that 400 hrs. on the dash gauge or off the Engine chip? (if you replace the gauges say at 600 hrs., the dash gauge begins at zero from there) Bottom line -- do not be so concerned with Engine hours as much as the Hull, interior, etc . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!* Last edited by Phantom; 05-02-2016 at 08:25 AM.

05-09-2016, 08:17 AM	#20
Water Camper Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pembroke, NH / Laconia, NH Posts: 450 Thanks: 10 Thanked 206 Times in 88 Posts	Over 1500 hours I agree with maintenance is key. I have over 1500 hours on my 1995 225 Sundowner FourWinns. Bought this new. It has a 351 Ford block with 255 hp and OMC outdrive. Other than a water pump and a few belts over the years, primarily just annual maintenance. Still runs good. My previous boat a 1989 180 Horizon, FourWinns with a small V8, 200 hp, is still being run by the 2nd owner, with over 2500 hours. Hope this helps, Bill

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05-01-2016, 03:27 PM	#6
stynx55 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 70 Thanks: 5 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Thanks for the responses, This will be our second boat, the first purchased last year so I am still very much a newbie and appreciate people with more experience chiming in.

05-01-2016, 06:37 PM	#7
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,984 Thanks: 246 Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts	Mine has 700 hours and runs great. I worked on one recently with 1000 hours and runs great. They can easily go 2000+ hours. My pickup truck has 5600 hours and runs like new.

The Following User Says Thank You to Dave R For This Useful Post:
VitaBene (05-01-2016)

05-03-2016, 04:35 AM	#12
stynx55 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 70 Thanks: 5 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	The boat is a 2006, not a 1996. I don't know why I posted 96,

05-03-2016, 06:16 AM	#13
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,230 Thanks: 188 Thanked 319 Times in 234 Posts	Asked the same question to my mechanic couple years ago. A lot depends on how it's used as mentioned above but he said general rule of thumb is when they hit 1200 hours they start to get tired. Mine is a 1997 with 1000 on it but a lot of those are trolling hours with no skiing/tubing and being well maintained. I expect to 1500 or better of it.

05-03-2016, 08:26 AM	#15
rowinghelmet Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 60 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 20 Posts	I have a 1999 Cobalt with around 1600 hours that still runs flawlessly. Most marine engines break because of poor maintenance, water ingestion, or neglect. The 350 MAG with proper maintenance should last at least 2000 hours before it needs a major rebuild.

The Following User Says Thank You to VitaBene For This Useful Post:
MeredithMan (05-03-2016)

05-03-2016, 06:09 PM	#17
John E Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 59 Thanks: 2 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	400 hours is just broken in as long as it has been maintained. I have a ski boat I bought 3 years ago with 1000 hours and I didn't think twice. Also in a lot of boats the hour meter ticks if the key is on without the motor running. I'd ask for maintenance records. I think hours are way over emphasized when discussing the condition of a boat.

05-05-2016, 08:11 AM	#18
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,891 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,673 Times in 584 Posts	400 hours on a boat is like 20,000 miles on a car.Just broken in.

05-08-2016, 04:24 PM	#19
Cobalt 25 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 216 Thanks: 227 Thanked 36 Times in 20 Posts	Sold our 8.1 Merc with 1,400 hours on it. Top speed stayed the same from new 'til I sold it. Regular maintenance, nothing special.

05-09-2016, 11:21 AM	#21
Winnisquamer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Winnisquam Posts: 408 Thanks: 72 Thanked 115 Times in 73 Posts	Just think if we all lived somewhere warm year round some of us would be putting on 400 hours in a season!